Academics

Gonzaga U. VP Chuck Murphy Receives Gonzaga Prep’s Highest Honor

Chuck Murphy, Gonzaga University's vice president for finance, received Gonzaga Prep's highest honor for service for the work he has done helping the high school with its finances. Photo by Dale Goodwin.

SPOKANE, Wash. — Chuck Murphy, Gonzaga University’s vice president for finance, has received Gonzaga Preparatory School’s highest honor, the St. Aloysius Gonzaga Medal, for his enormous contributions to its financial health and well-being, the high school announced.

Since 1963 Gonzaga Prep has given the medal to a person who has given outstanding service to secondary education and to Gonzaga Prep. Contributions by Murphy, who is rarely in the spotlight, have been truly significant, said Gonzaga Prep President Al Falkner. Murphy graduated from Gonzaga Prep magna cum laude in 1969. He moved on to Gonzaga University and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1973. He worked as a CPA in Spokane for a few years before returning to Gonzaga University as controller in 1978 until 1985 when he assumed his current responsibilities.

Murphy has helped guide the University through tremendous growth in facilities over the past decade and has helped steer the University successfully through this past economic downturn. Over the years he has been deeply involved in service to the Spokane community, serving on the boards of the Catholic Charities Foundation, the Catholic Charities Housing Board, the Downtown Spokane Partnership and the Economic Development Council.

Murphy has served two terms on the Gonzaga Prep school board. He was chairman of the finance committee for many years, is the founding chairman of its Foundation board and, most importantly, was one of the founders of its Fair Share program.

Murphy understands what St. Ignatius meant when he said actions speak louder than words, Falkner said, adding that Murphy lives a life of selfless dedication and service. Gonzaga Prep was at a crossroads when it chose to start Fair Share in 1992 and Murphy has ably and quietly helped lead the school through some choppy waters. It stands today as a school of 950 students with many new facilities, a solid financial foundation and a healthy balance sheet because of Murphy, Falkner said.

Murphy, a quiet man of service, has made a significant positive difference for Gonzaga Prep and Gonzaga University.